Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged political actors to stop exploiting Nigeria's security challenges for partisan gain, stating that kidnappers and terrorists target the nation, not political parties. He made the remark during a plenary session where the Senate observed a minute of silence for victims of the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, including two teachers and a child who died in connection with the incident. Akpabio directed the Senate leadership to fast-track preparations for a national security summit, stressing that the country's security architecture must be strengthened. He emphasized that criminals do not distinguish by party, religion or ethnicity, and called for a united national response. "The abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State is not merely an attack on innocent citizens; it is an assault on our collective humanity," Akpabio said. He warned against using national tragedies for cheap publicity, reaffirming that the fight against crime requires solidarity. Earlier, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde called for joint efforts to address insecurity and met with representatives of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to discuss the crisis. Atiku Abubakar criticized former National Security Adviser Ribadu for blaming the PDP for the school abduction. Peter Obi expressed concern over the security situation, while Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) declared a three-day national mourning and demanded a state of emergency. Femi Fani-Kayode confirmed the deaths of 13 individuals, including educators and students, in various locations: Chuks Okocha, Olawale Ajimotokan, Sunday Aborisade, Linus Aleke, Juliet Akoje, Kuni Tyessi in Abuja, Hammed Shittu in Ilorin, Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo, James Sowole in Abeokuta, Laleye Dipo in Minna, Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan, Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti and Yemi Kosoko in Jos. Niger State has reopened schools following security improvements. Police Trust Fund officials have requested double funding to enhance operations. Governor Rotimi Wike advised teachers not to politicize security issues as unions protested.
Akpabio condemns politicizing insecurity while presiding over a Senate yet to pass key security legislation flagged months ago. His call for unity rings hollow as no timeline was given for the proposed security summit despite repeated crises. Lawmakers continue to debate while abductions persist in multiple states without coordinated intervention. The gap between rhetoric and action leaves citizens exposed.
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